Seychelles
AfricaSE January 05, 2026
Background
Seychelles was uninhabited before Europeans discovered the islands early in the 16th century. After a lengthy struggle, France eventually ceded control of the islands to Great Britain in 1814. During colonial rule, a plantation-based economy developed that relied on imported labor, primarily from European colonies in Africa. Seychelles gained independence in 1976 through negotiations with Great Britain. In 1977, Prime Minister France-Albert RENE launched a coup against the country’s first president, and Seychelles became a socialist one-party state until adopting a new constitution and holding elections in 1993. RENE continued to lead Seychelles through two election cycles until he stepped down in 2004. Vice President James Alix MICHEL took over the presidency and in 2006 was elected to a new five-year term; he was reelected in 2011 and again in 2015. In 2016, James MICHEL resigned and handed over the presidency to his vice-president, Danny FAURE. In 2020, Wavel RAMKALAWAN was elected president, the first time an opposition candidate has won the presidency.
Geographic coordinates
4 35 S, 55 40 E
Natural hazards
lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; occasional short droughts
Area - comparative
2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Environmental issues
limited freshwater resources; water pollution; biodiversity
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)
Coastline
491 km
Land boundaries
Total: 0 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 3.4% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 3% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
Forest: 58.6% (2023 est.)
Other: 38% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 3% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
Forest: 58.6% (2023 est.)
Other: 38% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Natural resources
fish, coconuts (copra), cinnamon trees
Geography - note
the smallest African country in terms of both area and population; the constitution of the Republic of Seychelles lists 155 islands, including 42 granitic and 113 coralline; the largest island by far is Mahe, which is home to about 90% of the population and is the site of the capital city of Victoria
Terrain
Mahe Group is volcanic with a narrow coastal strip and rocky, hilly interior; others are relatively flat coral atolls, or elevated reefs; sits atop the submarine Mascarene Plateau
Location
archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
3 sq km (2012)
Population distribution
more than three quarters of the population lives on the main island of Mahe; Praslin is home to less than 10%, and a smaller percentage is on La Digue and the outer islands, as shown in this population distribution map
Elevation
Highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m
Lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Area
Total : 455 sq km
Land: 455 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
Land: 455 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 17.7% (male 8,912/female 8,439)
15-64 years: 72.4% (male 37,841/female 33,210)
65 years and over: 10% (2024 est.) (male 4,220/female 5,565)
15-64 years: 72.4% (male 37,841/female 33,210)
65 years and over: 10% (2024 est.) (male 4,220/female 5,565)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.14 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
Total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.14 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
Total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Seychellois (singular and plural)
Adjective: Seychellois
Adjective: Seychellois
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 13 years (2023 est.)
Male: 13 years (2023 est.)
Female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Male: 13 years (2023 est.)
Female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 58.8% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 0.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 0.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Total: 96.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Total: 3.6% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 96.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Total: 3.6% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
28,000 VICTORIA (capital) (2018)
Physician density
2.25 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Hospital bed density
3.2 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 38.2 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 24.4 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 13.8 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 7.3 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 24.4 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 13.8 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 7.3 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
predominantly Creole (mainly of East African and Malagasy heritage); also French, Indian, Chinese, and Arab populations
Religions
Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 10.5% (Anglican 6.1%, Pentecostal Assembly 1.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.2%, other Protestant 1.7%), other Christian 2.4%, Hindu 2.4%, Muslim 1.6%, other non-Christian 1.1%, unspecified 4.8%, none 0.9% (2010 est.)
Languages
Seychellois Creole (official) 89.1%, English (official) 5.1%, French (official) 0.7%, other 3.8%, unspecified 1.4% (2010 est.)
Health expenditure
5.3% of GDP (2021)
10.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
10.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
44.6% (2022 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
42 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Population
Total: 98,187 (2024 est.)
Male: 50,973
Female: 47,214
Male: 50,973
Female: 47,214
Tobacco use
Total: 20.5% (2025 est.)
Male: 34.2% (2025 est.)
Female: 5.2% (2025 est.)
Male: 34.2% (2025 est.)
Female: 5.2% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
14% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 9.48 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 4.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.49 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 4.62 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 4.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.49 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 4.62 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 76.6 years (2024 est.)
Male: 72.2 years
Female: 81.1 years
Male: 72.2 years
Female: 81.1 years
Education expenditure
4.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
10.7% national budget (2025 est.)
10.7% national budget (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.89 (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
0.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
Total: 39.2 years (2025 est.)
Male: 38.2 years
Female: 39.4 years
Male: 38.2 years
Female: 39.4 years
Total fertility rate
1.8 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate
Total: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Male: 12.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 12.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Death rate
7.02 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Birth rate
11.59 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population growth rate
0.53% (2025 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 9 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 3.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 900,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 3.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 900,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 48,000 tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.4% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.4% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
17.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
893,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 92 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 893,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 92 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 893,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
98.847 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Henry V. JARDINE (since 22 February 2023) and Chargé d’Affaires Adham LOUTFI (since 6 October 2023); note - Ambassador JARDINE is posted in Mauritius and is accredited to Seychelles, and Chargé d’Affaires LOUTFI is posted in Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles
Embassy: 2nd Floor, Oliaji Trade Center, Victoria Mahe, Seychelles; note - US Embassy in Seychelles reopened on 1 June 2023 after having been closed in 1996
Telephone: [248] 422 5256
Email address and website:
USEmbassySeychelles@state.gov
https://sc.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: 2nd Floor, Oliaji Trade Center, Victoria Mahe, Seychelles; note - US Embassy in Seychelles reopened on 1 June 2023 after having been closed in 1996
Telephone: [248] 422 5256
Email address and website:
USEmbassySeychelles@state.gov
https://sc.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
27 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse Etoile, Anse Royale, Au Cap, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand Anse Mahe, Grand Anse Praslin, Ile Persévérance I, Ile Persévérance II, La Digue, La Rivière Anglaise, Les Mamelles, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe Larue, Port Glaud, Roche Caiman, Saint Louis, Takamaka
Capital
Name: Victoria
Geographic coordinates: 4 37 S, 55 27 E
Time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The British named the town Port Victoria in 1841 after Queen VICTORIA; the name was later shortened
Geographic coordinates: 4 37 S, 55 27 E
Time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The British named the town Port Victoria in 1841 after Queen VICTORIA; the name was later shortened
Constitution
History: Previous 1970, 1979; latest drafted May 1993, approved by referendum 18 June 1993, effective 23 June 1993
Amendment process: Proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting the country’s sovereignty, symbols and languages, the supremacy of the constitution, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, and dissolution of the Assembly also requires approval by at least 60% of voters in a referendum
Amendment process: Proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting the country’s sovereignty, symbols and languages, the supremacy of the constitution, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, and dissolution of the Assembly also requires approval by at least 60% of voters in a referendum
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Patrick HERMINIE (since 26 October 2025)
Head of government: President Patrick HERMINIE (since 26 October 2025)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
Most recent election date: 22-24 October 2020
Election results:
2020: Wavel RAMKALAWAN elected president; Wavel RAMKALAWAN (LDS) 54.9%, Danny FAURE (US) 43.5%, other 1.6%
2015: President James Alix MICHEL reelected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - James Alix MICHEL (PL) 47.8%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN (SNP) 35.3%, other 16.9%; percent of vote in second round - James Alix MICHEL 50.2%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN 49.8%
Expected date of next election: 2025
Note: The president is both chief of state and head of government
Head of government: President Patrick HERMINIE (since 26 October 2025)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
Most recent election date: 22-24 October 2020
Election results:
2020: Wavel RAMKALAWAN elected president; Wavel RAMKALAWAN (LDS) 54.9%, Danny FAURE (US) 43.5%, other 1.6%
2015: President James Alix MICHEL reelected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - James Alix MICHEL (PL) 47.8%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN (SNP) 35.3%, other 16.9%; percent of vote in second round - James Alix MICHEL 50.2%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN 49.8%
Expected date of next election: 2025
Note: The president is both chief of state and head of government
Flag
Description: Five expanding bands of blue, yellow, red, white, and green, radiating from the bottom left corner
Meaning: The bands symbolize a dynamic new country moving into the future; blue stands for the sky and sea, yellow for the sun giving light and life, red for the people's determination to work for the future in unity and love, white for social justice and harmony, and green for the land and natural environment
Meaning: The bands symbolize a dynamic new country moving into the future; blue stands for the sky and sea, yellow for the sun giving light and life, red for the people's determination to work for the future in unity and love, white for social justice and harmony, and green for the land and natural environment
Independence
29 June 1976 (from the UK)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Seychelles Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 4 justices); Supreme Court of Seychelles (consists of the chief justice and 9 puisne judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 3 Supreme Court judges)
Judge selection and term of office: All judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the Constitutional Appointments Authority, a 3-member body, with 1 member appointed by the president of the republic, 1 by the opposition leader in the National Assembly, and 1 by the other 2 appointees; judges serve until retirement at age 70
Subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts of Seychelles; Family Tribunal for issues such as domestic violence, child custody, and maintenance; Employment Tribunal for labor-related disputes
Judge selection and term of office: All judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the Constitutional Appointments Authority, a 3-member body, with 1 member appointed by the president of the republic, 1 by the opposition leader in the National Assembly, and 1 by the other 2 appointees; judges serve until retirement at age 70
Subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts of Seychelles; Family Tribunal for issues such as domestic violence, child custody, and maintenance; Employment Tribunal for labor-related disputes
Legal system
mixed system of English common law, French civil law, and customary law
Legislative branch
Legislature name: National Assembly
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 34 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Mixed system
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 9/27/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: United Seychelles (US) (19); Seychelles Democratic Alliance (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa, LDS) (15)
Percentage of women in chamber: 26.5%
Expected date of next election: September 2030
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 34 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Mixed system
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 9/27/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: United Seychelles (US) (19); Seychelles Democratic Alliance (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa, LDS) (15)
Percentage of women in chamber: 26.5%
Expected date of next election: September 2030
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, CD, COMESA, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Constitution Day, 18 June (1993); Independence Day (National Day), 29 June (1976)
Political parties
Seychelles Party for Social Justice and Democracy or SPSJD
Seychellois Democratic Alliance or LDS (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa/Union Démocratique Seychelloise)
Seychelles National Party or SNP
United Seychelles or US
Seychellois Democratic Alliance or LDS (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa/Union Démocratique Seychelloise)
Seychelles National Party or SNP
United Seychelles or US
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Republic of Seychelles
Conventional short form: Seychelles
Local long form: Republic of Seychelles
Local short form: Seychelles
Etymology: Named by French Captain Corneille Nicholas MORPHEY after Jean Moreau de SÉCHELLES, the finance minister of France, in 1756; the British changed the spelling of the name in 1815 when they acquired the islands
Conventional short form: Seychelles
Local long form: Republic of Seychelles
Local short form: Seychelles
Etymology: Named by French Captain Corneille Nicholas MORPHEY after Jean Moreau de SÉCHELLES, the finance minister of France, in 1756; the British changed the spelling of the name in 1815 when they acquired the islands
National anthem(s)
Title: "Koste Seselwa" (Seychellois Unite)
Lyrics/music: David Francois Marc ANDRE and George Charles Robert PAYET
History: Adopted 1996
Lyrics/music: David Francois Marc ANDRE and George Charles Robert PAYET
History: Adopted 1996
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
coco de mer (sea coconut)
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of the Seychelles
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of the Seychelles
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both natural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Aldabra Atoll; Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Aldabra Atoll; Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
National color(s)
blue, yellow, red, white, green
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Vivianne FOCK TAVE (since 16 December 2025); note - also Permanent Representative to the UN
Chancery: 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1107, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10017
Telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785
FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786
Email address and website: Seychellesmission@sycun.org
Foreign Affairs Department Republic of Seychelles » United States of America (mfa.gov.sc)
Chancery: 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1107, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10017
Telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785
FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786
Email address and website: Seychellesmission@sycun.org
Foreign Affairs Department Republic of Seychelles » United States of America (mfa.gov.sc)
Population below poverty line
25.3% (2018 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.6% (2018 est.)
Highest 10%: 23.9% (2018 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 23.9% (2018 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
fish, scrap iron, animal meal, broadcasting equipment, ships (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
France 20%, Mauritius 12%, UK 9%, Japan 8%, Italy 8% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
coconuts, vegetables, bananas, eggs, chicken, pork, fruits, tomatoes, tropical fruits, cassava (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $695.973 million (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $728.171 million (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenditures (excluding grants and social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $728.171 million (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenditures (excluding grants and social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fish, ships, cars, plastic products (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Seychelles rupees (SCR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
14.53 (2024 est.)
14.018 (2023 est.)
14.273 (2022 est.)
16.921 (2021 est.)
17.617 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
14.53 (2024 est.)
14.018 (2023 est.)
14.273 (2022 est.)
16.921 (2021 est.)
17.617 (2020 est.)
Industries
fishing, tourism, beverages
Economic overview
high-income Indian Ocean island economy; rapidly growing tourism sector; major tuna exporter; offshore financial hub; environmentally fragile and investing in ocean rise mitigation; recently discovered offshore oil potential; successful anticorruption efforts
GDP (official exchange rate)
$2.167 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 74.6% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 26.3% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 17.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 85.2% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -103.2% (2024 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 26.3% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 17.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 85.2% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -103.2% (2024 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
UAE 32%, Spain 10%, France 6%, South Africa 6%, India 6% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Remittances
0.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
0.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$773.678 million (2024 est.)
$682.794 million (2023 est.)
$638.961 million (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$682.794 million (2023 est.)
$638.961 million (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
63.6% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
26.18% (of GDP) (2020 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$3.549 billion (2024 est.)
$3.43 billion (2023 est.)
$3.354 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$3.43 billion (2023 est.)
$3.354 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
0.3% (2024 est.)
-1% (2023 est.)
2.6% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
-1% (2023 est.)
2.6% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$155.194 million (2023 est.)
-$141.648 million (2022 est.)
-$160.168 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$141.648 million (2022 est.)
-$160.168 million (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$29,200 (2024 est.)
$28,600 (2023 est.)
$28,000 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$28,600 (2023 est.)
$28,000 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$2.437 billion (2023 est.)
$2.298 billion (2022 est.)
$1.821 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$2.298 billion (2022 est.)
$1.821 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$2.375 billion (2023 est.)
$2.247 billion (2022 est.)
$1.751 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$2.247 billion (2022 est.)
$1.751 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
3.5% (2024 est.)
2.3% (2023 est.)
12.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
2.3% (2023 est.)
12.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
-6.4% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 2.5% (2024 est.)
Industry: 12.3% (2024 est.)
Services: 65.8% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 12.3% (2024 est.)
Services: 65.8% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Imports: 500 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 86.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 12.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 12.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Refined petroleum consumption: 6,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 156,000 kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 581.227 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 44.034 million kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 581.227 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 44.034 million kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 87% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.sc
Broadcast media
state-run national broadcaster Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) has the only terrestrial TV station, which also airs broadcasts from international services; privately owned Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) channel; multi-channel cable and satellite TV available through 2 providers; SBC operates 1 AM and 1 FM radio station; 2 privately operated radio stations; transmissions of 2 international broadcasters available in Victoria (2019)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 165,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 192 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 192 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 39,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 18,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2023 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
S7
Airports
16 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 30 (2023)
By type: General cargo 6, oil tanker 6, other 18
By type: General cargo 6, oil tanker 6, other 18
Heliports
6 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-28 (18-25 for officers) years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; 6-year initial commitment; no conscription (2023)
Military expenditures
1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
Seychelles People's Defense Forces (SPDF; aka Seychelles Defense Forces, SDF): Army (includes infantry, special forces, and a presidential security unit), Coast Guard, and Air Force
Ministry of Internal Affairs: Seychelles Police Force (2025)
Ministry of Internal Affairs: Seychelles Police Force (2025)
Military - note
formed in 1977, the SDF is one of the World's smallest militaries; its primary responsibility is maritime security, including countering illegal fishing, piracy, and drug smuggling; it was given police powers in 2022; the Seychelles maintains close security ties with India, which has provided support to the SDF's maritime security operations (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 500 active Defense Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the SDF is lightly armed; its inventory consists of obsolescent armaments delivered in the 1970s and 1980s and some more recently donated equipment from Bahrain, China, India, and UAE (2025)
Ports
Total ports: 1 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 1
Ports with oil terminals: 1
Key ports: Victoria
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 1
Ports with oil terminals: 1
Key ports: Victoria
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
32.1 (2018 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality